How to Use Nigerian Road Safety Rules
Road safety refers to the rules and regulations curated to guide the behavior of road users on the road. It prevents the occurrence of all types of road accidents that could lead to damage of property, injury, or death.
Different countries have a road safety enforcement body that ensures that road users follow the rules and offenders are punished. In Nigeria, the road safety enforcement body is the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The FRSC reviews the road safety rules periodically. Whistle has highlighted ten road safety rules that every Lagos driver needs to bear in mind. In no order of importance, they are:
Wrongful overtaking
It is possible that you are in a hurry to get to your destination and the vehicle ahead of you is not moving fast enough so you decide to overtake and get ahead. The FRSC states that overtaking is ONLY allowed from the left side of a vehicle. Drivers should not overtake other vehicles on the road from the right side. Using the horn to signal that overtaking is about to occur is also important.
Disregard traffic lights and other road signs
Trying to beat traffic lights and ignoring other road signs such as marked pavements is a major offense according to the FRSC. FRSC and other law enforcement officers often lurk around traffic lights to catch offenders. Vehicles of offenders could be impounded followed by a mental check.
Over speeding
Every driver is aware that driving above the designated speed limit for a certain area is prohibited. FRSC officers and police officers are at liberty to find any individual caught speeding a minimum of N3,000.
Invalid driving documents
A driver’s inability to produce his or her authentic driver’s license and vehicle particulars when asked by FRSC officers or police offers is a punishable offense in Nigeria. Put these documents in the glove compartment permanently.
Drunk driving
This refers to driving under the influence of alcohol and other drug substances. Drunk driving is the leading cause of 30% of road accidents. It is a highly punishable offense according to the FRSC and offenders could face jail time for up to two years.
Slow driving on a speed lane
A speed lane is usually the lane on the left side of an express road. Drivers in this lane move at a faster speed limit. Any driver on the speed lane that fails to comply could cause an accident. Culprits are eligible for an FRSC fine.
Overloading
Vehicles carry passengers and goods that correlate with their size. When a vehicle is overloaded, it is accident-prone as it could collapse on the road abruptly, causing a fatal accident. The FRSC rules state that overloaded vehicles can be unassembled by law enforcement officers on sight. Driving an overloaded vehicle attracts a fine.
Driving without a spare tire and a caution sign
The FRSC has made it compulsory for every driver to have a spare tire, caution sign, and fire extinguisher in their vehicle. Persons who do not have these items are eligible for a fine.
Driving without seatbelts
Driving without seatbelts is a safety hazard. It is mandatory for drivers and passengers to use their seat belts at all times to minimize impact in an accident. The FRSC or police officers fine road users who do not adhere.
Tint Permit
Road users in Nigeria with tinted vehicle windows need to obtain a tint permit from the police. They provide permits to FRSC officers and police officers at different checkpoints. Inability to show the tint permit attracts a fine.
Do you know any other road safety rules peculiar to Nigeria that road users trivialize? Let us know what they are in the comments.
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